Monday, August 15, 2016

Island Batiks Seaside Summer Blog Hop

My collection is Red Tide. It's a mix of colors, and I had an assortment of orange and red, purples, and greens. There are some lovely designs in this collection, and I especially love the purple swirls.

What would you do if you were given a group of 1/2 yard cuts? I wanted to make a quilt. Nothing too big, as it's hot and my new studio only has fans, so far. I don't have a long arm, and do my own quilting. So, smaller works for summer projects.

I wanted something different, too. Not a published pattern, but something fun. I went looking for block designs for inspiration. Nothing was named for Red Tide, or Seaside. I didn't want boats, because I was going to use the orange and purple selections. So, for inspiration, I went to Quilters Cache and found the Triangle Chain block. I love the look. It's different. But I wanted it bigger. Marsha has it as a 9".

I played in EQ7 #EQ25 to change the size and make it easier to cut. I decided a 16" block would work. That made each quadrant 8". The lighter purple Half Triangle Square finishes at 4", the sashing and "cornerstones" are 2" (cut 2 1/2"), and the smaller orange HSTs finish at 3". Large purple HST piece is an 8 7/8 square, cut on one diagonal. Larger orange HST is a 6 7/8 square, cut on diagonal. Each section should be 8 1/2" before you join them to make one square.

Then the fun begins! What happens when you play with the layout??

Here's the EQ7 layout.

I love it!!

And then I found the green/purple fabrics I had actually set aside for a different top, and liked them better. So, change the orange to green. I made 4 large blocks, added a 2" border (cut at 2 1/2") and a 4" (cut at 4 1/2) border, because that would need 4 strips, and I had 1/2 yard.

I went to the Island Batik website and downloaded the actual photos from the fabric, to upload into EQ7, and see what the prints will look like. I also played with a dark blue for the cornerstones, but liked the bright green better.

I love being able to get an idea of the quilt using only EQ7 on my computer. I knew I didn't have lots of fabric, and couldn't afford to make a mistake in cutting.

Although I knew I wanted the quilt to look like a large star, I put the blocks on my design wall to see how they worked in a different arrangement. I put the border fabrics next to them, just to double check. While this is a fun layout, and the purple and green sections make really interesting designs, it didn't have the impact I was hoping for.

Ah, Eureka! That's it! I love the purple star points! Don't be afraid to play with your blocks to see what happens when you change the direction. The difference here is just turning the block, all pointing a green section to the center.

So, here's the finished top.

Here's one of the blocks, with a hint at the quilting.

Yes, I actually, finally, have something quilted!! It's been a while.

This one finished at about 45" square. The larger blocks were fast and easy to make, and made a quick top.

And my summer recipe!

I love zucchini bread. Since it's something you can make ahead and freeze, it's the perfect thing to bring to the beach, for a treat after swimming. Although when I'm eating it at home, I prefer it lightly toasted and buttered, it's great for a quick snack, too.

Zucchini
Bread

3 eggs

1 cup
vegetable oil

2 cups
sugar

3 cups
flour

1 tsp
salt

1 tsp
baking soda

3 tsp
cinnamon

1 tsp
cardamom (optional)

¼ tsp
baking powder

3 tsp
vanilla extract

2 cups
peeled, grated raw zucchini (I always add a little more).

1 cup
chopped nuts (I use pecans).

Preheat
oven to 350*. Grease and flour 2 large loaf pans (as in photo), or
3 small pans. (My small ones are about 4 x 6).

Cream
eggs, oil, sugar and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl.

Sift
together the remaining dry ingredients, and stir into the egg
mixture. Add zucchini, nuts and vanilla, and stir until combined.

Pour
into the prepared pans, and bake for about 1 hour. Knife inserted
in center should come out clean, but moist.

Hints:
Double the recipe, and freeze the extras. To freeze, wrap each
cooled loaf in aluminum foil, and place in a large zipper freezer
bag. It keeps well for about 2 months.

I'm offering a second give-away, and I'll use Random.org to choose a winner on Saturday, September 3rd. US winners only, unless you wish to pay the additional shipping fees. Just become an email follower of my blog, and follow my Mary Mack Made Mine Facebook Page and leave a comment that you follow, and if you've tried Island Batik fabrics. You have a chance to win something from my Island Batik Ambassador box. It will be a surprise!

Thanks again for stopping by! I hope you enjoyed my novel, lol. Please remember to visit the other Ambassadors!

I absolutely love your design packed with #CreativeGoodness. Lovely fabrics too! Thank you for the recipe. I am fond of zucchini bread, but haven't made it in years. Definitely want to make it with your yummy recipe.

Waving Hello ME!!! I already am a follower on email but came by to tell you how well I like all those triangles you work with one each project! We will keep the number of Island Batiks in my stash our little secret!

The island Batiks are beautiful! I find them at my local quilt shop mixed in with other batiks. I really liked your design process and was surprised to see only 4 blocks made your quilt--your final layout is a winner! I follow on e=mail and have visited Facebook.

I enjoy being an email and facebook follower. I have some Island Batiks, but haven't gotten the chance to use them as yet. A family situation came up that has taken most of my time this summer. But I do have a project in mind for them!

The quilt is beautiful. I follow you on Facebook and through email as c carter13@windstream.net I am a new follower via GFC with my current email address. I haven't made anything with Batiks yet, but I do have a gorgeous quilt pattern that I would love to make. Thank you for the giveaway.

I already follow you on Facebook!I'm working on happyquiltingmelissa's Summer Solstice QAL with Island Batiks: I won their SuperBowl giveaway with a lovely Navy, Green, grey and cream bundle for Seattle Seahawks. The units are coming together nicely.reillyr2(at)hotmail(dot)com

About Me

Hi. I am a teacher/professor, crafter, dressmaker, costume designer, quilter, singer, baker and cook. I joke that my dad is a Jack of all trades, and I am Jack's daughter. I love creating things for my family and friends. Enjoy my blog!Thanks for looking. If you wish to contact me about my crafts or if you need a quick recipe, email me at marymackmademine@gmail.com.